The judge found Byrne’s evidence was unreliable and said that he could not have believed it was necessary to punch McCarthy to defend himself.

She said the punch was ‘intentionally powerful’ and that in delivering it, Byrne knew that it would cause serious injury. She also said that the punch was not an instinctive reaction as Byrne had time to reflect on what he was about to do.

McCarthy, now back with his family in Ireland, underwent surgery after the incident which involved removing a piece of his skull to relieve the pressure.

The report says it is understood that no members of the family were in the court.